The Influence of Additive and Nonadditive Gene Action on Lifetime Yields and Profitability of Dairy Cattle

Abstract

Additive and nonadditive genetic effects on lifetime yields of milk and milk components and lifetime profitability were estimated from 5070 cattle in a Holstein pureline, an Ayrshire-based pureline, and 10 crossbred groups of these purelines. Lifetime yields of milk, fat, protein, and lactose and lifetime milk value and annualized discounted net returns were analyzed. Lifetime yields, lifetime milk value, and annualized discounted net returns of the Holstein x Ayrshire-based line F1 and an F1 x (F1 x F1) cross were not significantly different from those for the Holstein pureline. Net reproductive rate for F1 females was 9% greater than that of contemporary Holsteins. The Holstein pureline was superior to the Ayrshire-based pureline for direct additive genetic merit for all traits. Heterosis for the lifetime traits ranged from 16.6% for lifetime milk yield to 20.6% for annualized discounted net returns. Cytoplasmic maternal effect on annualized discounted net return was significant and favored the Ayrshire-based line. Potential economic benefit may derive from development of a crossbred cow that is superior to Holsteins. Maximum exploitation of additive and nonadditive genetic effects on lifetime yields and profitability appears to favor a rotational crossbreeding system with two breeds.

Additive genetic, non-additive genetic and permanent environmental effects for female reproductive performance in seasonal calving dairy females

“…The heterosis effects were favourable for all traits, ranging from 0.1% to 18% of the mean for CR42 in primiparae (mean of 84%) and PRFS (mean of 52%), respectively. Similar conclusions have emerged from controlled experiments (Heins et al, 2008;Begley et al, 2009;Prendiville et al, 2011) and the analysis of national data (McAllister et al, 1994;Wall et al, 2005;Penasa et al, 2010;Coffey et al, 2014). Buckley et al, (2014) documented that heterosis in Holstein-Friesian Jersey crossbreds increases the probability of a cow having a calf born to artificial insemination during the calving period by 3.4%.…”

Crossbreeding: implications for dairy cow fertility and survival

“…Earlier studies on experimental herds indicated that crossbreds had superior fertility and longevity compared with Holsteins at the University of Illinois (Touchberry, 1992) and Agriculture Canada (McAllister et al, 1994). Although, until recently, crossbreeding of dairy cattle in North America has been uncommon, it has become a current topic of great interest, developed in response to concerns dairy producers have about fertility, health and survival of lactating Holstein cows (Funk, 2006).…”

Crossbreeding Results in Canadian Dairy Cattle for Production, Reproduction and Conformation

“…Thus, the above results for crossbreds should be adjusted downwards, perhaps. Economic heterosis has been estimated at 2-3% [14], and at 16% for lifetime milk yield [5]. The amount of heterosis in this study is indeterminant.…”

“…Crossbreeding of Holstein dairy cattle to various breeds has been studied in several countries, including Canada, over many years [1][2][3][4][5], but the practice is limited and not exploited as in other species of livestock. Canadian Holstein dams have been mated to sires of other breeds, producing a small population of crossbred animals.…”

“…From 1972 to 1983 Agriculture Canada studied 10 crossbred groups in their five research stations across Canada, using foundation Holstein and Ayrshire cattle already present at the research stations [5]. The results from 5,070 Holsteins, Ayrshires, and crossbreds gave heterosis for lifetime milk yield of 16.6%.…”